Dunhill decision....

[iamn8]

I am having a very difficult time deciding between two pipes of the same year and same quality. Both are my favorite shape, a 5128 Diplomat. I have one in a black briar format, but want another. Cumberland v County?!?! Anyone have an opinion? I go back and forth every time I fill out the order form. Any thoughts or opinions at all? I understand it's a personal choice, but want to know yours....

Cumberland v County

 

[psychpipes]

I think I'm going to have to agree. The county looks nicer.

 

[misterlowercase]

If we're not talking about specific pipes, I'd prefer the Cumberland.

It's a proper sandblast.

Although I do prefer the older ones with the bevel rim, the flat top rims just don't look as good imho.
The County finish, although somewhat appealing, kind of defeats the purpose for me, in hand wouldn't it just feel like a bumpy smooth? I like the way it emulates the look of an old estate Dunhill, but just keep your Cumberland for twenty years and it may rub down the same way!

:P
Look at the Dunnies in

http://www.alpascia.com/pipes/

and you get very good close ups to examine the differences in finish.
SP needs a zoom feature I think.
2¢

::

 

[iamn8]

Yup those are the ones in talking about! Just something about that shape... Just sits so well in the hand. I love it! These posts are helping big time! Thank you!!!

 

[lochinvar]

Cumberland. I like the County finish, but I have never seen a Dunhill in County that wouldn't look better as a Cumberland.
Or you could just buy both :twisted:

 

[melvinsunsmokedcastello]

Buy 'em both!

 

[tarheel1]

Between those two I would go for the cumberland. Especially if it is the Christmas pipe with silver band.

 

[iamn8]

OMG! It's not the Christmas pipe w/silver but that's BEAUTIFUL!!! so loving this shape isn't just me? Here's my black briar with silver band...

 

[bubblehead33]

I gotta go with the Cumberland, very sharp looking pipe.

 

[tarheel1]

Can you see the grain on the black briar?

 

[iamn8]

Yeah when held up to a light source. It's my first Dunhill and a favorite. I really love that Cumberland with silver band though!!!

 

[tppytel]

If you're looking at the two 5128's on SP, I'd pass on both. To my eyeballs, the County is more of a rustic-style finish better suited for pipes with bolder lines, whereas the 5128 is more of a smooth, elegant shape. I just don't feel the finish suits it well. The Cumberland finish looks more appropriate to me for a 5128, but the specimen on SP isn't a very impressive grain or blast, and for $705 I'd want better. New Dunhills are just so overpriced for what they are that I really need to find an exceptional example to consider it. (And I say this as the owner of a couple of Dunhills.) For that money, I'd rather commission a pipe from one of the higher-end artisans out there.

 

[iamn8]

<p>The thing is these come up on the second hand market soooo rarely. I have little desire to buy a new Dunhill as I never have before, but I fear it's my only option if I want a diplomat in a 5-6grade.

 

[iamn8]

My strange need for a second 5128 has diminished. I've been bidding today on others, brands new to me but by "masters". Thus far no luck, but there's still time. I'm relieved I opted to pass and instead branch out. I really have fallen for my new S Bang thereby forcing me to explore other lines.

 

[foggymountain]

Get the County. It is a far better smoke, and the best value in the Dunhill line.

 

[papipeguy]

iamn8, if foggy to go with the County then you can take that to the bank. His collection and knowledge of Dunhill pipes is unmatched.

 

[iamn8]

Well, after deciding against another 5128 I managed to score a smooth Cooke pipe for $80!!!! My choice actually paid off!!! Crazy!